Medication for ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions that affects millions of people in the United States. In 2023, over 15 million U.S. adults had an ADHD diagnosis, half of whom received their diagnosis in adulthood. With symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD can make everyday life challenging as it can impact work performance, relationships, and other areas of life.

One treatment option is medication. There are several types of medications for ADHD, each working differently to address symptoms; however, finding the right one for you can depend on your individual needs and how your body responds to treatment.

What is ADHD Medication?

ADHD medication helps to manage the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. While it’s not a cure, it can make life easier for those who struggle with focus, attention, and impulse control. ADHD is a brain disorder that affects how the brain processes certain chemicals or neurotransmitters. Medications work by helping to balance these chemicals so that the brain can function the way it’s supposed to.

Although ADHD medication seems like a common treatment for children, it can be prescribed to people of all ages, including adolescents and adults. Each person’s experience with ADHD is unique, so medication will be adjusted and changed based on their specific needs. This will help to ensure that the person can function better at school, work, and in personal relationships.

Depression and ADHD

Types of ADHD Medications

There are two main types of ADHD medications: stimulants and non-stimulants. While these are common, antidepressants may also be considered if a patient does not respond to other medications. Let’s take a look at how each of these medications work in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the first-line treatment for ADHD and are among the most commonly prescribed medications for managing symptoms. They target brain areas that are responsible for attention, impulse control, and organization.

Stimulant medications primarily affect two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals act as messengers in the brain. Dopamine is associated with motivation and the ability to stay on task, while norepinephrine helps with alertness and focus. Stimulants prevent these chemicals from being reabsorbed by brain cells too quickly, which allows them to stay active longer and strengthen communication between brain regions.

Types of stimulant medications approved for ADHD include:

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride (Ritalin, Concerta)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (Vyvanse)
Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride (Focalin)
Mixed Amphetamine Salts (Adderall)

While stimulants work for many people, they may not be suitable for everyone. They are generally not recommended for those with:

Heart conditions, like congenital heart defects, unstable high blood pressure, or coronary artery disease
Tic disorders or Tourette syndrome
A history of substance abuse or a heightened risk of stimulant abuse

Non-Stimulants

For those who do not respond well to stimulants or cannot take stimulants, non-stimulant medications are another option for those dealing with ADHD. These medications work differently from stimulants in that they increase levels of norepinephrine. They achieve this by blocking specific processes in the brain’s synapses, thus allowing norepinephrine to stay active longer.

One of the advantages of non-stimulants is they often only require a single daily dose. Unlike stimulants, non-stimulants don’t have a “rebound” effect, which is where symptoms temporarily worsen as the medication wears off. They also carry a lower risk of misuse or abuse.

Types of non-stimulant medications approved for ADHD include:

Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Viloxazine (Qelbree)
Guanfacine Hydrochloride (Intuniv)
Clonidine Hydrochloride (Kapvay)

Antidepressants

While they’re not the first choice for treating ADHD, antidepressants can help balance serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Serotonin helps to regulate emotions and sleep, which are common issues not only in ADHD but other conditions as well. By increasing the levels of these brain chemicals, antidepressants can improve emotional regulation and concentration.

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants on their own or alongside other ADHD medications. This can be helpful for those who struggle with ADHD and co-occurring mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. Antidepressants like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been shown to be effective in managing ADHD symptoms.

Antidepressants that may be prescribed for ADHD include:

Bupropion Hydrochloride (Wellbutrin)
Vortioxetine (Trintellix)
Duloxetine Hydrochloride (Cymbalta)
Fluvoxamine Maleate (Luvox)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Research also supports the combination of stimulant medications, like methylphenidate, with another class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This combination has been found to be safe and effective for adults with ADHD and coexisting depression. SSRIs can improve the effects of stimulants by improving mood, stabilizing emotions, and supporting better sleep.

What Are ADHD Medication Side Effects?

Like any medication, ADHD treatments can come with side effects. These side effects can vary depending on the type of medication and the person taking it.

Stimulants are widely used for ADHD but can cause side effects that include physical symptoms and changes in mood or behavior. Side effects of stimulants may include:

Decreased appetite
Stomach pain or other gastrointestinal discomfort
Headaches
Sleep difficulties
Increase aggression (especially in children and teens)

Non-stimulant side effects are different from stimulants. Although these medications are generally well-tolerated, some people may experience:

Fatigue or drowsiness
Somnolence (feeling unusually sleepy)
Ineffectiveness in some cases
Suicidal thoughts or self-injury ideation, particularly with atomoxetine )

When used to treat ADHD, antidepressants have side effects that are manageable and well-tolerated. While serious complications are rare, individuals taking these medications may notice:

Nausea or abdominal pain
Constipation
Dry mouth or excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Fatigue or drowsiness
Increased blood pressure (hypertension)
Blurred vision
A heightened risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in children and young adults

While side effects can be concerning, they are often manageable with adjustments to the dosage or type of medication. Be sure to communicate with your doctor if any of the above side effects persist or worsen.

How to Find the Right ADHD Medication for You

Finding the right medication is a highly individual process as no single treatment works universally. With nearly half of adults relying on ADHD medication to control their symptoms, it’s clear that medication is a popular treatment option, but what works well for one person may not be the best fit for another.

The right medication for you will depend on several things, like how well it reduces symptoms, how easy it is to take, and how tolerable any side effects are. While some people may find a medication on the first try, others may need to go through a period of trial and error.

Medication is also just one option for treating ADHD. Behavioral therapy may be recommended by doctors in conjunction with medication to help those struggling learn how to regulate their emotions, how to stay organized, and how to use coping strategies for when symptoms arise. Working with your doctor to find a treatment plan that fits in with your goals and needs can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Explore ADHD Treatment with Pulse TMS

While finding an effective treatment plan can take time, it’s worth the effort to determine what works best for you. At Pulse TMS, we provide evidence-based treatment options that are customized to each person’s needs. If you’re exploring medication for ADHD, therapy, or a combination of treatments, our team is here to help you through the process. Contact us today to learn how we can help you better manage your ADHD.